State trials of five 5th generation fighters to begin in Akhtubinsk March 2013

The long-range warplanes will be modernized. Now two bombers Tu-160 are at the plant

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THE SETTLEMENT ZARYA (Moscow region), December 23 (Itar-Tass) —— The state trials of five 5th generation fighters (advanced airborne complex of the frontline aviation) will begin at a base of the flight experimental centre in Akhtubinsk in March 2013, Chief Commander of the Russian Air Force Lieut. Gen. Viktor Bondarev told reporters on Sunday. The Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Air Force marks its 98th anniversary on December 23.

“The airplanes of the prospective airborne complex of the frontline aviation are performing successfully the program of flight trials. Three fighters are taking the trials at the airfield in the Moscow regional town Zhukovsky, the fourth pilot fighter is being tested at the plant, the fifth fighter is about to be turned out and is passing the acceptance inspection. In March these five fighters will arrive in Akhtubinsk, where their state flight trials will begin. All other fighters will be dispatched there directly from the plant. By the end of 2013 eight prospective fighters T-50 will be accepted in Akhtubinsk,” Viktor Bondarev said.

The trials of the advanced fighters will end within 2-2.5 years, the chief commander of the Russian Air Force said. In 2015 or the beginning of 2016 the construction of the fighters T-50 will become serial, the fighters will be put into service of the aviation formations.

Viktor Bondarev noted that the program of the trials envisages all required tests of the features of the fighter, its avionics and weaponry.

The commander also noted that that the design works to develop a strategic missile-carrying bomber of new generation (advanced airborne complex of long-range aviation) will end by 2017-2018.

“Much work has been done to develop the advanced airborne complex of long-range aviation. The warplane is very serious and will ensure security of the country for many years to come, there we cannot make any errors. I believe that before 2017-2018 we will complete the creation of an advanced bomber and it will be ready for serial production,” Viktor Bondarev said.

The commander noted that a prospective warplane is being developed with the use of the stealth technology and new types of aviation weaponry. “The warplane should resolve additional tasks, which were not envisaged for Tu-95 and Tu-160. According to its features it will outpace all current foreign counterparts,” the general said. He also added that the long-range aviation is working to extend the service life of long-range missile-carrying bombers Tu-160.

“The long-range warplanes will be modernized. Now two bombers Tu-160 are at the plant. One of them is already passing an acceptance inspection after modernization, the second one is about to be turned out in the first quarter of the next year. The deliveries of next strategic warplanes are being made at the plant for modernization,” Viktor Bondarev said.

The Air Force commander also noted that the refuelling aircraft Il-78 are passing modernization to refuel the long-range airplanes in the air.